UPTOWN — After a nerve-wracking morning waiting by the phone, Jake Bickelhaupt finally saw “No Caller ID” pop up around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.
A Michelin representative was on the line to let Bickelhaupt know that after less than a year in business, his restaurant 42 Grams had earned a two-star rating.
“My wife heard it, but she just wanted to confirm that it was actually two stars,” said Bickelhaupt, with a laugh. “We were in shock.”
Two stars from the renowned travel guide indicates a restaurant has "excellent cuisine" and "worth a detour."
Bickelhaupt said the celebration goes beyond his 18-seat restaurant at 4662 N. Broadway.
“Certain neighborhoods have a stigma,” Bickelhaupt said. “We don’t like the negative views of Uptown. It’s a wonderful neighborhood.”
Bickelhaupt said he hopes the two-star Michelin rating will inspire other chefs and business owners to open up shop in Uptown. The recognition from the Michelin guide supports the idea that innovators can come to Uptown and be successful, said Bickelhaupt.
The couple behind 42 Grams have lived in Uptown for the past four years and made a conscious decision to open the restaurant near where they lived on the North Side. After looking at locations in Edgewater and Lincoln Square, the team decided on the nondescript storefront space below where they live on Broadway.
The name reflects on the premise that the soul weighs 21 grams. The couple says 42 grams is what the pair bring to the dining experience.
Although 42 Grams attracts customers from across the city, suburbs and the rest of the world, Bickelhaupt said it is still a place for locals. Bickelhaupt said neighbors tell him they love being able to walk to a fine restaurant like 42 Grams.
“We’re a destination but we’re also a neighborhood restaurant,” Bickelhaupt said.
After announcing the news on Twitter, Bickelhaupt and his wife Alexa, who co-owns the restaurant, went grocery shopping at Whole Foods. Later, to celebrate the Michelin rating, Bickelhaupt and his wife visited Rick Bayless’ River North restaurant Topolobampo, Bickelhaupt said.
“The food was absolutely amazing,” Bickelhaupt said. “Rick Bayless came out and congratulated us.”
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